Johannesburg – A Gauteng policeman appeared in the Carolina Magistrate’s Court on Monday in connection with a house robbery and kidnapping, Mpumalanga police said.

Police spokesperson Daniel Mathews Morgan, of Lenasia, had his case postponed to next Wednesday for a bail application, police spokesperson Selvy Mohlala said.

He faces additional charges of using a state vehicle without permission, and corruption.

Morgan, another policeman and three civilians allegedly kidnapped a man from his home in Carolina on Friday.

Five men arrived at the house in two cars and woke the man and his family, demanding to be let in. When the door was opened, the men – who all claimed to be policemen – demanded money from the home owner.

When the man said he did not have any money, the five kidnapped the man, his wife and another member of their family.

The couple’s three children were locked in a bathroom. The kidnappers stole cellphones, laptops and a DVD player.

“It is alleged that the suspects later called relatives of the victims and demanded a ransom for their release,” Mohlala said.

The police were informed of the kidnap and Morgan was arrested soon after. Police were still searching for the four others.

– SAPA